New Delhi: Investigators probing the Delhi Red Fort car blast, which killed 13 people on November 10, have found that the explosive material involved a highly volatile mix of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and ammonium nitrate. Sources indicate that traces of this unstable mixture may have later contributed to the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed nine people.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed the presence of TATP in the i20 car used in the Delhi attack. TATP is a primary explosive known for its extreme sensitivity to heat, friction, and shock. Unlike conventional military explosives, it is difficult to detect with standard methods, and even small quantities can cause
The Jammu and Kashmir Police clarified that the explosion at Nowgam Police Station was accidental, occurring while officials handled the seized ammonium nitrate. Preliminary investigations indicate that the material had reached a highly unstable stage, capable of self-detonation even without a detonator. The batch, converted into a high-grade explosive by Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives with sensitising agents and fuel, was intended for a large improvised explosive device (IED).
Officials believe the module may have planned attacks in crowded urban locations, including markets, metro corridors, or vehicle-borne explosives, potentially causing far greater casualties than typical ammonium nitrate blasts. Earlier assessments had suggested attacks were being planned for December 6 or January 26, but the volatile nature of the chemicals indicates the operatives could have acted much sooner.
The module came under scrutiny after Nowgam Police intercepted Jaish-e-Mohammed posters warning of attacks on security forces and outsiders in Kashmir. The arrest of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather on October 27 led to raids on the Faridabad module, resulting in the seizure of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials. The recovered explosives later caused the accidental blast at Nowgam, highlighting how close the operatives were to executing large-scale attacks.
Investigators caution that the presence of TATP combined with ammonium nitrate significantly increases the risk of accidental detonation, underscoring the dangers posed by advanced terror modules.
